Bonnie L. Shoemaker

SALEM - Bonnie Lee Shoemaker passed away on Monday, August 1st, 2011 at age 87. She was born to parents, Walter and Martha VanBrunt on May 29, 1924 in Van Buren, Arkansas. Being so tiny, the doctor gave the family little hope of survival, even forgetting to sign a birth certificate. But they gently wrapped her tiny body and placed it near the old wood stove for warmth and we have been blessed with her life.

Bonnie grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma where she met her husband, Willard “Bill.” They were married for 67 years before his death on Oct. 3, 2009. Her first job at age 14 was housekeeping for the family of the town doctor. Being so good at it, this eventually became her primary vocation in addition to caring for her three children. She was a wonderful homemaker, seamstress and cook and was known for making scrumptious homemade pies and cakes for local restaurants in Fresno, CA. Her parents were pastors and she learned to sing gospel music at a very young age. She would often be asked to sing along with her sisters and brother at area churches. She was also talented in playing piano, organ, accordion and guitar.

Due to her husband’s work, the family moved so many times she lost count; mostly living in Cal., Oklahoma and Arizona before settling down in Salem where they resided at Sundial Park. For the past seven months she made her home at Cedar Village Assisted Living.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her husband, Willard; sisters Jesse Sparks, Francis Collins, Dora Imogene Love; brother James VanBrunt and son Charles Shoemaker. She is survived by son Billy Shoemaker and wife, Rosie of California; daughter Janice Murrell and husband Frank of Salem; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Bonnie left a legacy of love for family, and faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place Sunday, August 7, 12 to 4 pm at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ranson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 8th at 11:00 am at Christian Center of Salem, 1850 45th Ave NE, Salem, OR with interment to follow at Restlawn Memory Gardens. Online at www.HED-FH.com.